Pages & Passion
Desert Foothills Book Festival Celebrates Local Literary Luminaries
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
Now in its fourth year, the Desert Foothills Book Festival has evolved from a modest gathering into a vibrant showcase where approximately 40 local authors — 40% of them newcomers this year — share their passion with readers hungry for authentic storytelling and genuine connection.
“Arizona authors are a vibrant, varied and caring group, eager to share their craft and enrich the lives of those in our community,” says Caren Cantrell, children’s author and chairperson of the Desert Foothills Book Festival. “The festival is a truly unique event for the Valley. We’ve doubled in size since our inaugural 2022 festival, and expect this year to be even bigger and more diverse.”
What sets this festival apart in the crowded landscape of literary events is its commitment to fostering face-to-face connections between writers and readers — an increasingly rare commodity in our digital age. The first 100 attendees 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at Holland Community Center in Scottsdale will receive a curated book and gift box valued at $60, courtesy of Once Upon a Book Club, while families can enjoy freshly made pizza from Pizzeria Del Torrente as they browse tables spanning every conceivable genre, from mystery to fantasy to historical fiction.
Crime Through an Expert’s Eyes
Behind a table displaying psychological thrillers sits Scottsdale resident Susan Magestro, whose transition from internationally recognized criminologist to fiction writer brings an unparalleled authenticity to the crime genre. With more than 35 years working with youth, families and law enforcement across the United States and abroad, Magestro has witnessed the full spectrum of human behavior — experiences she now channels into her “Priscilla Breen, Criminologist” series.
“My real-world experiences influence everything I write — whether it’s nonfiction, fiction, articles, lectures or speaking engagements,” Magestro explains, her eyes lighting up with the passion of someone who has found her second calling. “These experiences aren’t limited to crime alone. For example, just a few weeks ago, I witnessed a beautiful marriage proposal, and I plan to describe that moment in an upcoming book.”
What makes Magestro particularly unique in both her professional and literary careers is her ability to navigate multiple perspectives within the justice system.
“I’ve been fortunate in earning acceptance for my work from both the defense and prosecution sides of the justice system,” she explains. “It’s rare for a professional like myself to walk that center line.”
This balanced perspective informs her fiction, where readers encounter complex characters drawn from decades of real-world experience.
“We write what we know, and I know the realities of crime, those who commit them, and their victims,” she says, describing how her new psychological thriller draws from an accumulation of diverse experiences in criminology. “My fictional stories are gripping, with many riveting side threads that often take readers down unexpected paths. The characters truly drive the tale.”
For Magestro, festivals like Desert Foothills serve a deeper purpose beyond book sales.
“Recently, I had the most amazing experience — a teenage reader reached out to me after being moved by one of my books,” she recalls. “Some of my favorite moments, as both an author and criminologist, are when young people share their dreams with me. I, too, once had a dream — one that many dismissed as unrealistic because I was young. Yet it’s the very life I’ve gone on to live.”
Painting Worlds with Words and Canvas
At a neighboring table, fantasy author Kristen Salustro — who writes under the pen name K.N. Salustro — showcases not only her award-winning books but also handmade plush creatures that leap directly from her pages. The Scottsdale resident’s unique blend of cosmic adventure and fantasy elements, featuring interstellar travel alongside dragons, has garnered an enthusiastic following for series like “The Star Hunters” and “Southern Echo.”
“I grew up on fantasy and science fiction. My dad especially nurtured my love for sci-fi from a young age,” Salustro recalls, describing a pivotal moment when her father took her to a special screening of “Star Wars: A New Hope.” “I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, eyes glued to the screen. Something about it hooked me, and I’ve been obsessed ever since.”
That childhood fascination evolved into sophisticated worldbuilding that draws inspiration from reality while stretching it into something entirely new.
“Inspiration can come from anywhere,” she explains, describing how her pirate fantasy features sirens designed using real-world fish rather than traditional mythology. “My lead siren is based on a lionfish — stripes, spines and all.”
Salustro’s artistic background informs every aspect of her writing process.
“I love writing, but I’ve always been a very visual person, so if I can bring elements from my books to life through my art, I do,” she says, gesturing to the colorful array of “arkins” — space cat-dragons from her “Star Hunters” trilogy — that draw curious children and adults alike to her display.
The author’s approach to conventions and festivals reflects a community-first philosophy that resonates with the Desert Foothills Festival’s mission.
“I hope I’ve been able to share useful tips and ideas about event setups and pitching to readers and potential customers,” she explains. “I also keep in mind that a rising tide lifts all boats. In my experience, approaching these events with a sense of community rather than competition goes much farther in many ways.”
Highway Tales and Rock ‘n’ Roll Rhythms
Cave Creek resident Alan Webber brings yet another perspective to the festival’s diverse literary landscape. After more than 50 years in the family transportation business — including two years behind the wheel himself — Webber channels his intimate knowledge of trucking culture into compelling thrillers that showcase the human side of life on the road.
“When I first considered becoming a writer, I was repeatedly told, ‘Write what you know,’” Webber explains from behind a table displaying his novels “Whipping Post” and “Roll Me Away” — titles drawn from classic rock songs that inform his writing process. “My goal was to do for trucking what John Grisham does for law: write a compelling story centered around what I know, while giving readers an authentic look at the everyday lives of truckers.”
Webber’s novels go beyond stereotypes to reveal the complex realities of America’s highways.
“I wanted to go beyond the stereotypes and showcase the human side of a trucker,” he says. “The protagonist in my two novels (soon to be three), Tim Harrison, is modeled as a deeply real character — inspired by any one of the 200 drivers in our fleet.”
Music plays an integral role in Webber’s storytelling process.
“I’m a classic rock and blues enthusiast — I listen to music all day long, whether I’m golfing or writing,” he explains. “Each chapter is also named after a song by these bands, and I use an excerpt from the lyrics to set the tone for the narrative.
“For example, ‘Whipping Post’ begins with its memorable refrain: ‘Sometimes I feel… like I’ve been tied… to the whipping post… oh Lord, I feel like I’m dying,’” Webber explains. “To me, that line perfectly embodies the life of a trucker — tied to the steering wheel to make a living, while things might be unraveling back home.”
After decades in the demanding transportation industry, Webber has found writing to be both a creative outlet and a form of legacy-building.
“I’m striving to create a legacy that my grandchildren — and future generations — can appreciate long after I’m gone,” he reflects.
